as ever, was my sister's: And my uncles, That I then should be the
pride of their hearts.--But, alas! what a forfeiture of all these must
I make!

This was the reception I had on my return from you.

Mr. Solmes came in before we had done tea. My uncle Antony presented
him to me, as a gentleman he had a particular friendship for. My
uncle Harlowe in terms equally favourable for him. My father said,
Mr. Solmes is my friend, Clarissa Harlowe. My mother looked at him,
and looked at me, now-and-then, as he sat near me, I thought with
concern.--I at her, with eyes appealing for pity. At him, when I
could glance at him, with disgust little short of affrightment. While
my brother and sister Mr. Solmes'd him, and Sirr'd--yet such a
wretch!--But I will at present only add, My humble thanks and duty to
your honoured mother (to whom I will particularly write, to express
the grateful sense I have of her goodness to me); and that I am

Your ever obliged,
CL. HARLOWE.



LETTER VIII

MISS CLARISSA HARLOWE, TO MISS HOWE
FEB. 24.


They drive on here at a furious rate. The man lives here, I think.